Dedicated to the Memory of 2nd Lt Joseph D Fortin

Joseph Douglas Fortin of St. Johnsbury, a 2nd Lieutenant Field Artillery officer with the U.S. Army, was killed in action in Iraq on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. He served as a fire support officer for the 1st Calvary Division 1-7 "Garryowen."

Joey was born in St. Johnsbury on Nov. 5, 1986, one of three children born to Martin and Betsy (Wood) Fortin. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy with the class of 2004. Joey received his B.S. degree in criminal justice in May 2008 from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. The following day he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Army. On May 24, 2008, he and Nicquelle Desilets were united in marriage.

He is survived by his wife Nicquelle; his parents Martin and Betsy Fortin of St. Johnsbury; two sisters, Jennifer McKinney and husband Steve of Buffalo, NY., and Jocelyn Fortin of Irasburg; his paternal grandmother Virginia Fortin of St. Johnsbury; his maternal grandmother Sunny Wood of Waterford; his parents-in-law, Raymond and Jeana (Bailey) Desilets of St. Johnsbury; aunts and uncles, cousins, and the extended Desilets family.